Dr. Karla Esquilín-Lebrón Hosted a Group of 4-H Stem Ambassadors to Explore the ‘Microbes in and Around Us’

The 4-H STEM Ambassador program welcomes New Jersey youth from middle and high school to the SEBS campus to participate in hands-on activities as they learn alongside Rutgers faculty in their respective discipline. Now in its 14th year, the program supports young people from six urban communities around New Jersey, with the objective of supporting and encouraging first generation college students in the pursuit of STEM careers. Seven STEM Ambassadors spent the day with Dr. Esquilín-Lebrón to learn about our New Jersey state microbe Streptomyces griseus, antibiotic production and the human microbiome. We clarify misconceptions about microorganisms, the production and use of antibiotics and the importance of microbes in our daily life. Students got a chance to learn about the diverse microbiology topics the faculty in our department research and the opportunities of pursuing a STEM degree at Rutgers. The STEM Ambassadors will take the knowledge they have gained this past week back to their respective communities and teach-back to their younger peers at local YMCAs, libraries, and afterschool programs.